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Is streaming in Germany legal? What expats really need to know #

If you’ve recently moved to Germany, you might be surprised to learn that streaming isn’t as straightforward here as in many other countries. In fact, some forms of online streaming can actually get you into legal trouble. I even know two friends who were fined thousands of euros for it. Germany is known for its strict approach to rules and regulations and that includes digital content laws.

Is streaming Illegal in Germany? #

Streaming in Germany is only illegal when it involves copyrighted content from unlicensed or pirated sources. Websites like 123movies or other free movie-streaming platforms fall under this category and can get you into serious legal trouble.

On the other hand, popular and legitimate platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord are completely safe and legal to use.

To give you a bit of context in 2017, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that streaming copyrighted material without permission violates copyright law. Since then, Germany has strictly enforced this ruling.

streaming illegal in germany

Is Torrenting Legal in Germany? #

Torrenting in Germany is strictly illegal, just like illegal streaming. Many newcomers don’t realize how seriously Germany takes copyright laws until it’s too late.

For example, a Greek coworker of mine learned this the hard way he received two fines within his first six months of living in Germany. He had been downloading the latest Marvel movies to watch with his kids, thinking it was harmless.

While he managed to negotiate the penalty down and paid only a fraction of the original fine, the key takeaway is clear: he still had to pay. In Germany, authorities actively monitor torrenting activity, and copyright violations rarely go unnoticed.

Are sites like 123Movies or FMovies legal in Germany? #

No, sites such as 123Movies, FMovies, or Popcorn Time are not legal to use in Germany. These platforms often host or link to copyrighted movies and TV shows without proper licensing, which violates German and EU copyright laws.

Even worse, many of these “free streaming” websites can quietly download movies onto your device while you’re watching. Once that happens, your computer may automatically upload and share parts of that file with others, turning your activity into illegal distribution (torrenting) a serious offense under German law.

This isn’t just a theoretical risk, either. There have been real cases, such as a man in Frankfurt who received a hefty fine after using Popcorn Time to stream movies.

The safest approach? Stick to legal platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube to avoid fines and protect your privacy.

You can still get fined even if it was your Flatmate #

Living in a shared apartment in Germany doesn’t protect you from copyright fines. In fact, if your internet contract is under your name, you’re the one who could end up in legal trouble.

Here’s how it works: let’s say your flatmate downloads or streams the latest episode of Game of Thrones from an illegal site. The law firms track the IP address used for the download and then request user details from your internet provider. Since the contract is registered to you, the fine will be issued in your name, even if you weren’t the one streaming.

You can, of course, dispute the fine and argue that someone else in the household was responsible but proving it can be difficult and time-consuming. Unless you have clear evidence, you may still be held liable.

Can you watch Hulu in Germany? #

Unfortunately, Hulu isn’t available in Germany. The platform’s content is restricted to the United States because Hulu only holds streaming rights for that region.

This means that if you try to access Hulu from Germany, you’ll likely see a message saying the service isn’t available in your country. The same applies to other U.S.-based platforms like SHOWTIME and some regional streaming services that haven’t secured European distribution rights.

The list of legal streaming sites in Germany #

While not every international streaming platform is available in Germany, there are still plenty of legal and reliable options to enjoy your favorite shows and movies. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Among these, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video remain the top choices for most people living in Germany thanks to their vast libraries and multilingual support.

If you’d like to watch content that’s normally geo-blocked, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access shows available in other countries. Check out our detailed guide on the best VPNs for Germany to learn how to do this safely and legally.

Best sports streaming services in Germany #

Can’t wait to catch that big football (soccer) match this weekend? The good news is, there are several legal sports streaming options in Germany that let you enjoy all the action live.

Here are some of the most popular platforms:

  • WOW – Sky’s premium sports streaming service (covers Bundesliga, Formula 1, and more)
  • DAZN – Great for football, boxing, UFC, and international sports
  • ARD – Free public broadcaster that occasionally streams major events
  • ZDFsport – Another free public option with live sports coverage
  • Sportschau – Offers highlights and live broadcasts for select games

Among these, WOW is the most popular (and priciest) option, as it offers extensive coverage of premium events. However, you can often watch certain matches for free on German TV channels like ARD or ZDF, especially when it comes to national games and tournaments.

Final Thoughts #

Both illegal streaming and torrenting are against the law in Germany and the fines can be hefty. The safest way to enjoy your favorite movies, shows, or sports events is to stick with legal, paid streaming platforms.

So there you have it your complete guide to streaming safely and legally in Germany. Whether you’re an expat or just visiting, following the rules will save you from unwanted surprises (and expensive fines).

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite content the legal way.

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